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The Cheesy Spinach Quinoa Bake is a delightful dish that perfectly marries health and comfort. Packed with nutritious ingredients, including quinoa, fresh spinach, and a medley of cheeses, this casserole not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients. Whether you're exploring vegetarian options or simply looking for a wholesome family meal, this recipe is a winner. In this article, we will delve into the detailed steps of preparing this dish, discuss its nutritional benefits, and explore variations to tailor it to your preferences.

Savory Cheesy Quinoa and Spinach Casserole

Discover the Cheesy Spinach Quinoa Bake, a mouthwatering casserole that balances nutrition and flavor effortlessly. This easy-to-make dish features quinoa, fresh spinach, and a blend of delicious cheeses, making it perfect for vegetarian meals or family dinners. Learn how to prepare it step by step, along with tips on variations, serving suggestions, and storing leftovers. Enjoy a comforting meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

        Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetable mixture, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the quinoa mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.

              Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.

                Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6-8 servings